Pope Leo XIV has expressed his solidarity with victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province on August 15, killing dozens of people and leaving thousands displaced.
In a telegram to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, of Ende Diocese in Flores, the Pope said he was “deeply saddened” by the devastation caused by the earthquake.
The message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, assured those affected of the Pope’s “spiritual solidarity and closeness,” particularly people who were injured or forced from their homes.
According to Vatican News, the provisional death toll had reached 53, with 135 people injured and about 13,000 displaced.
Pope Leo also encouraged Church and civil authorities as they continue humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts. He offered prayers for emergency personnel working to assist survivors and restore affected communities.
The Pope commended those who died to the mercy of God and invoked divine consolation and strength for their families and all those affected.
The earthquake struck Flores, a predominantly Catholic island in eastern Indonesia, early August 15 and was followed by numerous aftershocks. A separate magnitude 6.9 earthquake later struck Sumatra, western Indonesia.
The National Disaster Management Agency reported extensive damage from the Flores earthquake, including more than 900 destroyed homes and about 450 others damaged.
At least 167 public buildings, including schools, health care facilities and churches, were reportedly rendered unusable. Thousands of people have sought shelter in temporary evacuation centers.
The Church in Indonesia has joined government agencies and humanitarian organizations in responding to the disaster, with dioceses, parishes and Catholic relief networks providing assistance to affected communities.
The papal message comes as rescue and relief operations continue across Flores, where authorities are assessing damage, assisting displaced families and restoring essential services.
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